WS6B. 


UC-NRLF 


B    3    3M2    75T 


SUMMER  WIND 


aessie  C.  WIGRGN 


SUMMER  WIND 

By 
BESSIE  C.  WIGREN 


BOSTON 

THE  POET  LORE  COMPANY 

THE  GORHAM  PRESS 


Copyright,    1919,   by  Bessie  C.   Wigren 


All  Rights  Reserved 


MADE  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OP  AMERICA 


The  Gorham  Press,  Boston,  U.  S.  A. 


CONTENTS  Page 

Summer  Wind    7 

The  Birthday   8 

Wisconsin    Woods    10 

Morn    12 

Night    13 

The   Rain    15 

Resting    16 

Spring    17 

Illinois    ,  .  .  . .  18 

Grandpa    19 

Survival  of  the  Fittest   20 

The  Home-Coming 22 

Heavenly   Guidance    24 

The  Pine  Tree , 25 

My  Garden 26 

Robins  Three    27 

A   Memory    28 

Carnation  Pink   . .  , 29 

Finis   30 

The  Rose 31 

Death    32 

Li*e    33 

Santa  Claus 34 

Pain 36 

The  Resurrection   38 

The  Tuscania  Living 40 

A  Day   42 

Bells  of  Sabbath  Morn 43 

Alone    44 

Mammy   45 


Mil): 


SUMMER  WIND 


SUMMER  WIND 

The  summer  wind  blows  through  the  trees, 
And  leaves  are  rustling  in  the  breeze. 
It  blows  across  the  fields  where  play 
The  happy  children  in  whose  gay, 

And  childish  laughter  is  no  strain 
Of  sadness  and  the  world's  whole  gain 
Lies  stretched   before  them   in  the  flowers, 
They  stoop  to  pick  in  these  glad  hours. 

O  summer  breeze,  to  lovers  true 
Fond  memories  thou  dost  renew 
Of  other  days  when  life  was  young 
And  love  and  joy  were  newly  sprung. 

Blow  on  thou,  soft  warm  summer  breeze 
And  whisper  to  us,  noble  trees, 
Glad  secrets  in  whose  healing  balm, 
Our  restless  feverish  hearts  find  calm. 

The  summer  breeze  blows  through  the  trees 
And  through  the  flowers  and  o'er  the  seas, 
It  bloweth  where  I  kneel  to  pray 
Beside  his  grave,  this  weary  day. 


Summer  Wind 


THE  BIRTHDAY 

Come  take  my  hand,  my  little  son 

And  together  we  will  go 
Into  the  fields  and  pick  again 

The  pretty  flowers  that  grow. 

We'll  wander  through  the  grasses  tall 

And  as  we  listen,  clear 
Upon  the  summmer  breeze,  the  call 

Of  wild  bird  we  will  hear. 

The  purple  violets  that  hide 

Their  fragrance  from  the  sun, 
We'll  seek  them  out  as  hand  in  hand 

We  wander,  dearest  one. 

Nay,  tell  me  not  that  you  are  grown 

To  manhood  with  its  care, 
To-day  you  are  my  little  one 

And  with  me  you  must  share 

This  day  in  field  and  forest  green, 

For  on  your  face  I  see 
The  youthful  smile  I  loved  so  well 

Your  voice,  so  dear  to  me 

Rings  out  again  in  laughter  clear 

As  in  those  happy  hours, 
When  through  the  flowering  meadows  gay 

We  talked  with  birds  and  flowers. 
8 


Summer  Wind 


Those  days  when  you  were  all  my  own 

And  when  at  night  I  felt 
Your  precious  form  close  to  my  heart 

And  side  by  side  we  knelt, 

To  thank  the  Heavenly  Father, 

For  blessings  of  the  day 
And  prayed  that  He  would  keep  us 

From  sin  and  harm  away. 

Come,  once  more  let  thy  dear  head 

Against   my   heart   incline, 
For  O,  I  fondly  love  thee, 

Thou  little  son  of  mine. 


Summer  Wind 


WISCONSIN  WOODS 

The  sky  is  a  leaden  hue 

And  on  the  ground  fresh  snow, 

While  trees  all  naked,  wave  their  arms 
E'er  wildly  to  and   fro. 

The  wind  is  wailing,  moaning 

And  in  the  mighty  sound, 
We  hear  the  waves  that  dash  and  beat, 

Against  a  coast  rock  bound. 

The  lake  is  partly  frozen  o'er 

And  through  the  open  blue 
A  musk-rat  leaves  his  trail  behind 

As  homeward  he  swims  true. 

A  few  deer  tracks  along  the  snow 

And  then  a  trail  of  red, 
Ah  hunter,  you  have  had  your  sport, 

And  one  more  life  has  fled. 

The  golden-rod  that  yesterday 

Showed  yellow  in  the  dawn 
The  autumn  leaves  of  many  hues 

Are  withered  all  and  gone. 

Yet  as  the  woodland  path  we  tread 

A  verdant  wreath  is  seen 
Still  peeping  from  the  snowy  earth 

The  wondrous  Evergreen. 
IO 


Summer  Wind 


We  stoop  to  brush  away  the  snow 

And  as  we  gently  pull 
The  clinging  Evergreen  doth  yield 

Itself  in  measure  full. 

And  with  our  winter  festoon 

We  loiter  down  the  path, 
The  Sun  now  shines  upon  the  snow 

As  with  our  chat  and  laugh, 

We  reach  the  lodge  and  open  door 

Doth  glowing  log  reveal. 
We  sink  into  the  beckoning  chairs 

While  o'er  our  souls  doth  steal, 

A  sense  of  thankfulness  and  bliss 

That  we  are  safe  at  home 
And  warmth   and  food  are  ours  tonight 

While  out  the  wind  doth  roam. 

And  as  we  gather  round  the  board 

We  lift  a  voice  of  praise 
Unto  the  God  who  giveth  all, 

May  He  direct  our  ways. 


ii 


Summer  Wind 


MORN 

We  thank  Thee  Lord,  that  night  is  o'er, 
And  daylight  comes,  serene  and  bright, 

Our  hearts  we  lift  to  Thee  this  morn, 
O  keep  us  in  Thy  light. 

We  thank  Thee  Lord,  for  sunshine,  flowers, 

For  wild  bird's  song  of  praise, 
For  daily  bread  and  strength  to  work, 

Throughout  the  season's  days. 

We  thank  Thee  Lord,  for  friendship  close, 

That  to  our  lives  doth  bring, 
New  hope,  new  zeal  to  onward  press, 

When  weak  or  faltering. 

We  cannot  tell  it  all,  these  thoughts 

Of  gratitude  to  Thee  above, 
Who  ever  doth  our  lives  direct, 

With  mercy  and  with  love. 

Sing  out  ye  birds  and  give  Him  praise, 
And  flowers  your  incense  bring 

And  pour  it  out  upon  the  breeze, 
To  Him  an  offering. 

And  every  little  truant  wind 

That  blows  across  the  field, 
Sing  out  your  praise  unto  the  Lord, 

Our  refuge  and  our  shield. 
12 


Summer  Wind 


NIGHT 

Alone  I  walk  a  darkened  path, 

The  evening  shadows  fall 
And   giant   tree   forms  now   show   black, 

Against  the  sky's  gray  wall. 

The  heavens  are  overcast  with  clouds 

That  ever  change  in  form 
And  swiftly  pass  as  darkness  creeps, 

Sure  portenders  of  storm. 

And  now  the  wind  doth  strong  arise 

And  from  the  treetops  tall, 
A  moan  is  heard  as  answering 

They  quickly  heed  the  call. 

And  swaying,  bending,  beckoning, 

Outlined  against  the  sky, 
They  sing  Hosanna  loud  and  strong, 

Unto  the  One  on  high. 

Now  all  the  noisy  sounds  of  day 
Are  hushed,  for  work  is  o'er 

And  tired  feet  are  hurrying, 
To  reach  the  family  door. 

And  one  by  one  lights  now  appear 

And  houses  send  a  beam 
Of  welcome  to  some  loved  one  who 

Rejoices  in  its  gleam. 
13 


Summer  Wind 


As  darker  grow  the  shades  of  night, 
And  trees  still  sway  and  moan 

I  hasten  timidly  along 

And  look  for  lights  of  home. 

And  now  the  door  is  opened  wide, 

And  Mother's  voice  I  hear 
In  tones  of  love  and  welcome 

At  last,  my  child  you're  here! 

*     *     *     * 

O  Father,  when  the  shadows 
Of  that  last  night  shall  fall, 

But  grant  the  light  may  beckon  me 
And  mother's  voice  may  call 

And  there  with  all  the  loved  ones 
Who've  conquered  in  Thy  name, 

And  overcome  the  trials 

The  loss,  the  grief,  the  shame, 

May  we  the  Peace  inherit 

Thy  precious  blood  has  bought, 

And  grant  the  flock  may  gather  all, 
With  no  lamb  to  be  sought. 


14 


Summer  Wind 


THE  RAIN 

The   rain   is   falling,    gently   falling, 

Washing  as  it  falls, 
The  gathered  dust  of  many  weeks, 

From  houses,  trees  and  walls. 

With  patter  and  with  drip  it  falls 
From  sky  all  gray  and  dull, 

It  soothes  my  restless  spirit, 
With  the  music  of  its  lull. 

O  Father,  let  it  wash  away 
The  sin  and  strife  of  men, 

The  envy,  hate  and  bitterness, 
O  make  us  clean  again. 

And  may  this  sad  old  world  of  ours, 

At  last  Thy  will  obey 
And  in  each  glistening  raindrop  may 

Thy  peace  and  blessing  lay. 


15 


Summer  Wind 


RESTING 

Sometimes  I  like  to  steal  away 
From  people  and  all  care 

And  in  my  swing  to  lie  at  ease 
And  watch  trees  toss  in  air. 

Majestic  poplars  bathed  in  Sun 
Are  trembling  in  the  breeze. 

E'en  when  all  nature  peaceful  is, 
This  tree  ne'er  seems  at  ease, 

But  trembling  rustles  all  its  leaves. 

'Tis  said  Christ  on  it  died, 
And  nevermore  can  it  know  Peace 

Nor  rest  with  it  abide. 

I  love  these  lofty  maples,  elms, 
Outlined  against  Heavens  blue 

The  breeze  is  strong  and  in  its  song 
Breathes  faith  and  what  is  true. 

The  sunlight  falls  upon  my  swing 

And  in  its  warmth  I  lie 
And  rests  my  soul  in  this  kind  hour, 

Beneath  trees,  sun  and  sky. 


16 


Summer  Wind 


SPRING 

As  from  my  window  I  look  out 

A  wondrous  sight  I  see, 
A  tree  that  yesterday  stood  lone 

And   dark   in  misery. 

Now  wears  a  dress  of  feathery  green 

Of  dainty  pattern  laced, 
With  sunshine,  red  and  green  that  Spring, 

Now  wills  that  it  be  graced. 

And  through  the  lacy  pattern  shows, 

A  glimpse  of  Heaven's  blue 
As  green   and   red   and   golden   Sun 

Now  blend  in  wondrous  hue. 

Where  came  this  mystic  miracle 

This  tree  of  life  so  rare, 
Where  bleak  and  dark  but  lately  stood, 

A  sentinel  of  despair. 

The  earth  is  His,  yea  His  alone, 

The  Resurrection  light, 
And  all  the  firmament  doth  show, 

His  handiwork  and  might. 


17 


Summer  Wind 


ILLINOIS 

So  many  giant  trees  grow  near  my  home 

A  heritage  from  Nature,  better  far 

Than  any  gift  that  Wealth  could  e'er  bestow. 

And  fields  of  green  where  hidden  lie  the  flowers, 

We  love  to  gather  on  those  days  in  May, 

When  sing  the  wild  birds  in  the  trees  above, 

And  nature  doth  rejoice. 

And  in  the  sunlight,  waving  far,  the  corn 
That  Illinois  her  plenty  doth  produce, 
And  snugly  nestling  neath  majestic  elms 
The  well  proportioned  houses  and  trim  barns 
And  everywhere  eye  looks,  thrift,  enterprise, 
Prosperity,  the  fruit  of  honest  toil. 


18 


Summer  Wind 


GRANDPA 

I'm  sitting  in  the  garden 

Beneath  the  maple  tree 
Among    the    flowers    and    chirping    birds 

With  God's  blue  sky  o'er  me. 

The  Sun  shines  just  as  bright 

As  it  did  a  month  ago 
The  flowers  display  rare  colors 

All  nature  doth  beauty  show. 

But  to-day  I  sit  in  the  garden, 

With  spirit  heavy  and  sad, 
It's  Grandpa's  old  bent  form  I  miss 

And  life  is  not  as  glad. 

I  hear  his  familiar  voice 

As  he  speaks  to  birds  o'erhead 

And  comments  on  the  maple's  growth 
And  the  hues  of  his  pansy  bed. 

O  Grandpa  dear,  I  miss  you 

In  this  and  other  hours, 
But  fragrant  is  your  memory 

As  the  perfume  of  your  flowers. 


19 


Summer  Wind 


SURVIVAL  OF  THE  FITTEST 

Now  what  to  do  with  the  corn-flowers? 

They  have  spread  beyond  their  bound, 
And  unless  some  are  weeded  out 

Few  others  will  be  found. 

O  let  us  live  dear  lady,  please, 

For  life  is  sweet  to-day 
With  cherry  blossoms  overhead, 

And  breath  of  gentle  May. 

Alas!  if  you  should  live  dear  flowers, 
Others  must  die  this  Spring. 

It  is  your  life  or  theirs  dear  flowers, 
The  wind  doth  requiem  sing. 

As  Coreopsis  spreads  its  leaves 

And  Daisies  gaily  nod, 
As  beauteous  Columbine  unfolds 

From  out  the  lowly  sod, 

The  sigh  of  cornflowers  is  heard, 

And  then  the  piteous  cry, 
Dear  flowers,  tis  hard  to  leave  you  now, 

But  we  alas!  must  die. 

And  as  the  South  wind  passes  by 

The  cherry  blossoms  near 
Shake  out  their  fragrant  petals,  white, 

Upon  the  corn-flowers  bier. 
20 


Summer  Wind 


And  all  the  garden  flowers  fair 
Are  heard  to  breathe  a  sigh, 

As  on  the  breeze  of  Spring  is  borne 
The   corn-flowers  sad — good-bye — 


ax 


Summer  Wind 


THE  HOME-COMING 

The  children  are  all  home  to-day 
And  gather  round  once  more 

Full  many  miles  were  traveled  fast 
To  reach  the  family  door. 

And  none  are  young  and  some  are  old 
And  brown  hair  now  is  grey 

And  as  they  clasp  each  other's  hands 
They  smile,  but  tears  betray 

Their  grief,  for  in  that  darkened  room 
Mid  ferns  and  flowers  there  lies 

A  father,  whom  they  all  loved  well 
Forever  closed  his  eyes. 

And  now  they  bear  him  to  the  place 

Where  mother  lies  asleep. 
Not  many  years  had  she  to  wait 

For  him  the  tryst  to  keep. 

And  hearts  are  sore  and  sad  tears  flow 
For  one  whom  they  loved  well 

Is  lost  to  earth,  but  in  their  lives 
His  memory  shall  dwell 

And  ever  will  inspire  them  as 

Life's  journey  they  pursue, 
To  love  the  right  and  bravely  fight 

For  what  is  good  and  true. 
22 


Summer  Wind 


And  our  dear  father  is  not  dead, 
We'll  meet  him  every  day, 

We'll  feel  him  near  and  know  his  will 
And  daily  let  us  pray 

That  we  may  live  as  worthily 
That  we  may  strive  as  well 

That  of  our  good  and  kindly  deeds 
Our  friends,  like  his  will  tell. 


23 


Summer  Wind 


HEAVENLY  GUIDANCE 

He  leadeth  me,  the  blessed  truth, 
Is  whispered  to  my  heart  so  sore, 

In  life's  dark  hours,  when  sorrow  comes, 
He  leadeth  me,  I  ask  no  more. 

In  my  great  need  to  Him  I  come, 
The  way  is  dark,  I  cannot  see, 

I  know  not  what  to  do,  to  say, 
O  Jesus,  Saviour  lead  Thou  me. 

What  matters  it  if  earthly  joys, 

So  dearly  prized  have  from  me  flown, 

If  Thou  my  soul  doth  safely  guard 
And  still  will  count  me  as  Thine  own. 

0  give  me  faith  and  give  me  strength 
And  wisdom  now  my  course  to  run. 

1  only  crave  at  set  of  Sun 

To  hear  Thy  voice  say,  child  well  done ! 


Summer  Wind 


THE  PINE  TREE 

O  fragrant  Pine-tree  from  the  North, 
Glad  Christmas  brings  you  here 

And  eager  children  gaily  trim 
Your  branches  green,  with  cheer. 

And  as  we  hang  the  glittering  Star, 
We  tell  of  Wise  Men  three, 

And  Shepherds  watching  flocks  by  night, 
Who  came  the  Babe  to  see. 

O  mystic  is  thy  spell,  Pine  tree 
To  children's  wondering  eyes, 

In  branches  bright  with  tinsel,  gold, 
In  thy  soft  glow,  there  lies, 

The  haunt  of  fairies,  hidden  from 

Skeptics  and  worldly  wise, 
Who  now  to  children  do  reveal 

Beauties  of  Paradise. 

And  treasured  long  in  memory  lives 

Old  Santa,  his  reindeer, 
And  brownies  kind  who  help  to  load 

His  sled  with  Christmas  cheer. 

O  happy  trees,  that  your  life  should 

Be  chosen  on  this  day, 
To  herald  in  the  Christmas  morn, 

In  which  good  will  doth  lay. 
25 


Summer  Wind 


MY  GARDEN 

My  garden!  lovingly  the  words  escape  my  lips, 
And  as  a  mother  doth  caress  a  child  she  loves  full 

well, 
So  do  I  to  my  lips  now  press,  some  flowers  that  in 

thee  dwell. 

My   garden!   sacred   spot   where  grow   my   flower 

friends, 
I  know  each  hidden  leaf,  each  bud,  each  fragrant 

blossom  fair, 
And  call  them  tenderly  by  name  and  breathe  their 

perfume  rare. 

My  garden!  friend  indeed  art  thou  and  true, 
When  weary,  troubled,  sad,  perplexed,  I  seek  thy 

friendly  shade, 
But  peace  and  comfort  dost  thou  give,   and  ever 

friendly  aid. 

And  when  the  day  is  done  and  night  doth  thee 

enfold, 
Unto  this  halllowed  spot  I  come,  ere  seek  I  my 

repose, 
And  here  alone  with  God  and  flowers,  He  blessing 

doth  disclose. 


26 


Summer  Wind 


ROBINS  THREE 

High  up  in  an  elm  is  a  snug  little  nest, 
Where  a  Robin  with  birdlings  three, 

Sings  every  morn  when  daylight  breaks, 
Cheerup,  cheeroo,  cheeree. 

Her  song  full  sweet  and  wondrous  clear, 

Is  heard  from  yonder  tree 
As  babes  with  wondering  eyes  look  out, 

Cheerup,  cheeroo,  cheeree. 

Another  day  has  dawned  for  us 

All  fair  my  birdlings  three 
We'll  hunt  for  worms  and  learn  to  fly 

Cheerup,  cheeroo,  cheeree. 

And  when  the  warning  note  I  sound 

Come  close  little  birds  to  me, 
For  Yellow  Cat,  neath  yonder  hedge, 

Is  watching  us  I  see. 

But  stronger  daily,  wings  will  grow 

And  soon  will  birdies  be 
Feeding  themselves  and  flying  high 

And  safe  to  the  old  elm  tree. 

And  Yellow  Cat  with  panther  tread, 
Will  lash  her  tail  when  she  sees, 

Three  Robins  perched  on  a  limb  of  the  Elm, 
Singing  Cheerup,  Cheeree. 
27 


Summer  Wind 


A  MEMORY 

How  strange,  the  song  she  sang  tonight 

Brings  back  your  face  to  me, 
How  strange  after  all  these  years  are  past, 

That  your  eyes  I  should  see. 

So  clear  their  gaze,  they  search  my  soul 

Your  brow  so  broad  and  fair, 
Your  wavy  hair  of  sunny  brown, 

Your  laughter  on  the  air. 

And  once  again  your  smile  I  see 

And  hear  your  music  ring, 
Vibrant  and  strong  and  all  the  world 

Is  joyful  while  you  sing. 

Ah  memory,  what  a  gift  art  thou, 

To  bring  to  us  again, 
The  treasured  hours  of  other  years, 

Their  happpiness,  their  pair. 


28 


Summer  Wind 


CARNATION  PINK 

Because  I  was  so  sweet  so  fair  a  flower, 
She  wore  me  on  her  breast  with  maiden  grace, 
And  I  sweet  fragrance  exhaled  when  she  bent 
And  pressed  to  mine  her  beauteous  face. 

I  gave  my  life  for  her  that  summer  day, 
For  her  whose  fair  young  life  had  need  of  mine, 
And  though  at  night  I  faded  quite  away, 
I  felt  her  heart  throb  close  to  mine  all  day, 
And  that,  yes  that  was  recompense. 


29 


Summer  Wind 


FINIS 

How   blest   the   thought   that   some   glad   day 

One,  all  supreme,  all  wise  and  just 

Our  lives  will  judge  aright,  nor  fail 

To  weigh  thoughts,  motives,  intents  kind 

That  born  of  His  great  spirit  do 

Make  effort,  showing  in  our  words 

And  deeds,  we  of  His  family  are. 

And  wrongly  judged  by  mortals  not 

Akin  to  Him  who  reads  the  heart, 

Discouragement  and  grief  do  cause. 

How  blest,  how  comforting  the  thought 

To  saddened  weary  souls  to  know 

That  some  glad  day,  Truth  will  be  known. 


30 


Summer  Wind 


THE  ROSE 

I  went  into  my  garden 
At  early  dawn  one  morn, 

A  bud  that  had  been  yesterday 
Into  a  Rose  was  born 

A  rose  with  flaming  petals 
All  wet  with  morning  dew, 

Gave   out    its    fragrance    as    I    came 
To  pluck  it,  love,  for  you. 

O  rose  of  wondrous  beauty 
To  grow  from  bud  so  small 

Tell  us  the  secret  of  your  power 
That  we  may  humbly  call 

Upon  the  One  who  fashioned  thee 
That  we  may  too,  possess 

Thy  mystic  power  to  joy  bestow, 
Thy  grace  and  loveliness. 


o* 


Summer  Wind 


DEATH 

O  death!  what  offerest  thou  me? 
A  dreamless  sleep  from  care  set  free, 
Release  from  sorrow,  pain  and  toil 
And  freedom  from  this  life's  turmoil? 

So  tired  am  I,  my  senses  reel 
And  ever  demon  spirits  steal 
Upon  me  and  my  mind  ensnare 
And  me  a  failure  now  declare. 

O  death,  if  thee  I  now  embrace 
Will  peace  and  quiet  fill  the  place 
My  weary  soul  at  last  shall  know? 
But  whisper  "yes" — 1*11  will  it  so. 


32 


Summer  Wind 


LIFE 

Nay  soul  opprest,  strive  on  nor  fear 
The  cruel  thrusts  of  those  who  sneer, 
Of  those  who  link  their  lives  and  fate 
With  Satan  and  his  blighting  hate. 

For  I,  the  Lord,  will  keep  secure 
The  soul  that  trusts  and  will  endure 
And  though  all  hell  encompass  thee, 
The  Lord  thy  helper  aye  will  be. 

And  with  my  mighty  arm  will  give 
Thee  strength  and  succor;  thou,  shalt  live 
With  me  in  glory  and  shall  know 
Joys,  Heaven  only  can  bestow. 


33 


Summer  Wind 


SANTA  CLAUS 

Some  folks  say  that  Santa  Claus 

Travels  by  aeroplane 
Don't  you  believe  it,  no  child  will  receive  it 

Nor  one  whose  mind  is  sane. 

Drives  he  a  sled  with  reindeers  twelve? 

If  there's  no  snow  on  the  ground 
Blows  he  a  magic  horn  and  lo! 

Plenty  of  snow  is  found. 

Takes  he  an  upper  trail  that  to, 

Poor  mortals  sight  below 
Hidden  is,  as  he  swiftly  speeds 

Over  the  ice  and  snow. 

Dressed  to  the  chin  in  furs  is  he 
Borrowed  from   Iceland  Bears 

Full  to  the  top  is  the  sled  he  drives 
With  children's  toys  and  wares. 

Faintly  the  echo  we  hear  if  we  list 
Tinkle  of  bells  and  the  horn  he  blows, 

Thud  of  the  reindeers  hoofs  as  they  speed 
Swift  o'er  winter's  snows. 

Jolly  is  he  as  he  snugly  sits 

Atop  his  Xmas  load 
Happy  the  children  whose  chimneys  tall 

Catch  his  eye  on  the  road. 
34 


Summer  Wind 


Never  a  child  does  he  forget 
Christmas  eve  when  he  comes, 

Swiftly  he  works  and  his  brownies  small 
Help  with  the  toys  and  drums. 

Take  my  advice  if  a  noise  you  hear 
Christmas  eve  or  towards  morn 

Close  your  eyes  and  go  to  sleep 
Echo  it  is  of  his  horn. 


Soon  will  daylight  then  appear 

Fairies  softly  say 
Come  dear  one,  the  Sun  is  up, 

Hail  to  the  Christmas  Day. 


35 


Summer  Wind 


PAIN 

I  see  a  figure  mount  my  steps 
Her  face  is  worn  and  drawn. 

Her  eyes  are  dark  with  anguish  set 
And  bent  her  weary  form. 

I  want  you  not,  I  cry  in  fear 

O  go  from  me  away! 
She  takes  my  hand  and  sadly  says, 

Nay — I  have  come  to  stay. 

For  you  and  I  must  be  alone 
For  many  a  night  and  day 

And  lessons  of  humility 

We'll  learn  and  how  to  pray. 

And  in  the  weary  watches  of, 
The  dark  and  silent  night, 

When  mortals  all  are  sleeping  calm, 
We'll  sleepless  pray  for  light. 

Nay,  draw  not  from  me  thus  away, 
For  I  am  friend,  not  foe, 

And  clearer  vision  shall  be  yours 
Ere  from  you  I  do  go. 

For  oft  to  mortal  eyes  a  land 

Of  promise  is  revealed. 
And  pure  refined  gold  displayed 

That  tinsel's  gleam  concealed. 

36 


Summer  Wind 


When  once  you've  walked  the  vale  with  Pain 

Born  in  your  soul  will  be 
A  grace  that  softens  sorrow's  woes, 

The  grace  of  sympathy. 

And  now  at  last  the  roses  fair, 

Have  taken  on  an  angel  form 
That  comes  with  smiling  face, 

With  wings  outspread  and  me  has  borne, 

Away  to  dreamland's  pleasant  bowers. 

My  visitant  hath  gone, 
And  graces  many  have  been  born 

In  these  sad  hours,  O  happy  dawn. 


37 


Wind 


THE  RESURRECTION 

I  said  within  my  aching  heart, 
All  truth  is  dead  and  friendship  false 
My  efforts  futile  all  have  proved 
Why  longer  struggle  on  alone. 

My  poor  soul  stricken  flaps  its  wings 
In  vain  against  its  prison  bars, 
I'm  weary,  heartsick,  lonely,  sad, 
Why  longer  tread  this  darkened  way. 

And  then  I  sought  the  garden  walk 
With  breaking  heart  and  eyelids  wet 
And  from  the  treetop  heard  the  call 
Of  Robin  Redbreast  to  his  mate. 

I  felt  the  South  wind  gently  blow 
And  snow  of  Winter  now  was  gone 
And  some  kind  Spirit  whispered  soft, 
Be  of  good  cheer  dear  heart,  for  see ! 

The  Resurrection  morn  is  come 
And  Christ  is  risen  from  the  dead 
And  life  immortal  He  has  given 
To  souls  who  walk  the  path  he  trod. 

Thy  life  so  sad,  will  glorious  be 

As  Easter-lily  than  the  bulb 

From  which  it  sprung — to  grace  this  day, 

This  glorious  Resurrection  Day. 

38 


Wind 


Go  brush  the  dead  leaves  from  the  place 
Where  grew  the  flowers  of  yesteryear, 
They  are  not  dead,  they  live  again 
All  green  and  beautiful  they  show 

Their  heads  above  the  lowly  earth. 
And  so  will  your  life  yet  live  on 
And  every  deed  and  impulse  true 
And  every  effort  in  His  light, 

Will  live  on  through  the  years  to  come, 

There  is  no  death  for  truth  and  right. 

Be  of  good  cheer,  thou  weary  heart, 

The   cross,    the   crown,    the   night,   the   morn. 


39 


Summer  Wind 


THE  TUSCANIA  LIVING 

The  brave  Tuscania  dead!     Nay,  they  all  reached 

the  shore, 
To  some   a   rock   bound   coast,   mid   waves   whose 

angry  roar 
Cried  out,  in  jealous  fear,  of  voices  whose  implore 
The  wind  so  vainly  carried  to  gulls  that  ever  soar. 

To  some  of  these  brave  sons,  He  earthly  life  hath 

given 
And  they  must  ever  onward  press,  their  hearts  with 

pain  oft  riven 
Until  they  reach  that  land  from  which  all  care  is 

driven 
And  greet  their  comrades  who  the  Father  now  has 

shriven. 

O  barren  rocks!     O  mystery  of  waters  deep! 
So  cold,  so  terrible,  so  dark  a  place  to  sleep! 
Nay  son!     God  bids  thee  rest,  fear  not  the  shades 

that  creep, 
His  bright  and  gleaming  lights,  shine  through  the 

ocean's  keep. 

The  music  sweet  thou  hearest,  is  from  that  land  of 

song 
The  voices,  tones  familiar,  thy  heart  has  craved  so 

long, 
The  welcome  hands  outstretched,  His  chosen  Godly 

throng, 
Who  bid  thee  welcome    Hero,    thy    kindred    now 

among. 

40 


Summer  Wind 


Weep  happy  tears  O  mother,  of  gallant  dauntless 

Son, 
Whose  earthly  work  is  ended,  ere  it  seemed  well 

begun, 
For  God  doth   record  keep,  of  earthly  course  we 

run, 
A  glorious  morn  for  you,  has  by  his  death  been  won. 


4i 


Summer  Wind 


A  DAY 

And  can  it  be  night  comes  so  soon, 

When  I  had  thought  this  day 
Kind  words  to  say,  kind  deeds  to  do 

And  has  it  passed  away? 

And  she  whose  heart  I  might  have  cheered 

In  sorrow  still  must  dwell, 
And  he  who  longed  for  friendship's  clasp, 

Has  bidden  us  farewell. 

The  tolling  bells  announced  the  morn 

A  troop  of  children  gay 
Are  homeward  bound  from  Sunday  school 

And  it  is  glad  midday. 

And  then  a  flash  of  red  and  gold 

And  sunset  gilds  the  sky 
How  soon  the  shades  of  night  creep  on 

How  fast  the  days  go  by. 


42 


Sufnmer  Wind 


BELLS  OF  SABBATH  MORN 

O  bells  of  Sabbath   Morn 
On  the  breeze  to  us  is  borne 
Your  long  reverberation 
From  steeple's  lofty  station. 

O  bells  ye  seem  to  say 
Remember,  tis  His  day 
Come  worship  at  His  feet, 
And  praises  sing — tis  meet. 

O  bells,  I  know  not  why 
Unbidden   to  mine  eye, 
The  tears  of  memory  well 
As  your   tones  sink   and   swell. 

But   always  when  you   ring 
Unto  my  mind  you  bring 
Dear  faces  now  long  gone 
Who,  welcome  as  the  dawn 

Come  now  and  softly  blend 
With  memories  that  lend 
A  brightness  as  of  Sun 
That  glory  gives,  ere  run. 

O  bells  I  love  your  tone 
To  consecration  known, 
Come  let  us  worship  all, 
Responsive  to  the  call. 
43 


Summer  Wind 


ALONE 

Thou  lonely  Pine,  on  bleak  hillside 

Bereft  of  kindred,  friend, 
Whose  harp  ere  sings  a  mournful  strain 

As  seasons  change  and  blend. 

Thou  solitary  watchman  bold, 

Of  hill,  ravine  and  glade 
Reminder  of  a  forest  green, 

Now  fallen  neath  the  blade 

One  lone  as  thee  now  rests  beneath 
Thy  fragrant  arms  outspread 

Whose  kindred,  loved  ones  all  like  thine, 
Are  numbered  with  the  dead 

A  heart  responsive  lifts  its  voice 

And  joineth  in  thy  swell 
As  treasured  memories  of  the  past 

We  to  each  other  tell. 


44 


Summer  Wind 


MAMMY 

Yas  honey, 

I'm  jes  an  ole  black  mammy, 
But  dis  day  I'm  purty  glad 

To  wash  de  does  in  de  basement 
For  Missus  shor  is  mad 

When  dat  thbomter  dim 

To  ninety  eight  to-day, 
"De  breeze  done  come  from  Hell," 

Dats  what  de  Missus  say. 

Yas,  Mammy  dont  complain, 

Got  de  bes  of  it  to-day, 
De  basement's  cool,  she'll  wash, 

And  sing  a  song  and  pray — halleuia. 


45 


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